Method of making connector and tube assembly

ABSTRACT

A PROCESS FOR MAKING A ROTATABLE, GASTIGHT JOINT BETWEEN A TUBE AND FITTING INCLUDING THE STEPS OF COATING THE TUBE WITH A SEALANT, INSERTING THE TUBE IN THE BORE OF A FITTING HAVING A FLANGE EXTENDING IN SPACED PARALLEL RELATION WITH THE TUBE, AND SPINNING THE FITTING WHILE EXERTING RADIAL PRESSURE ON SAID FLANGE TO FORCE SAID FLANGE INTO BITING ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID TUBE AND TO FORM A RELIEF BEHIND SAID ENGAGEMENT FILLED WITH SAID SEALANT.

A. J. BALON 3,568,287

METHOD OF MAKING CONNECTOR AND TUBE ASSEMBLY March 9 1971 Original Filed 031;. 22, 1965 fi RMM w m4 2 m w m WJ E 5 m HF Y B United States Patent Ofitice 3,568,287 Patented Mar. 9, 1971 Int. Cl. 321k 29/00 US. Cl. 29-157 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A process for making a rotatable, gastight joint between a tube and fitting including the steps of coating the tube with a sealant, inserting the tube in the bore of a fitting having a flange extending in spaced parallel relation with the tube, and spinning the fitting while exerting radial pressure on said flange to force said flange into biting engagement with said tube and to form a relief behind said engagement filled with said sealant.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a division of applicants copending application Ser. No. 692,073, filed Dec. 20, 1967, now Pat. No. 3,488,069, which was, in turn, a division of applicants copending application Ser. No. 501,545 filed Oct. 22, 1965, and now Pat. No. 3,460,804.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to gas stoves and, more particularly, to a new and improved method of making a new and improved gas stove valve and tube assembly for pilot lights and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a general object of this invention to provide a new and improved method of making a new and improved valve and tube assembly for gas stoves, and the like, obtaining unobvious and unexpected benefits and advantages over prior assemblies and methods of making the same.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved method of making a new and improved valve and tubeassembly for gas stoves, and the like, in-

cluding a new and improved valve and connector for connecting the assembly to the fold for controlling the flow of a gas into the assembly.

Other objects of this invention include the provision of a new and improved method of making a new and improved valve and connector for a valve and tube assembly for a gas stove, and the like, having a valve which is efiicient and effective in operation; which is economically manufactured and used; which is safe, simple and foolproof in operation; which is easily adjusted to control or stop the flow of gas through the line; which has only a single moving part yet comprises both valve and coupling or connector by which the valve and tube assembly is secured to the filter, manifold or source of gas supply; which simplifies and improves the valve and coupling structure of prior art gas stove valve and tube assemblies; which complies with accepted safety standards and codes for both manufacture and use; which is simply and eifectively mounted on and carried by the tube; and which may be used in and with a valve and tube assembly including a pilot light housing embodying the invention disclosed herein.

Still other objects of this invention include the provision of a new and improved method of making a new and improved valve for valve and tube assemblies for gas stoves, and the like, which also functions as a connector or coupling between the tube and gas source; which provides a rotatable or swiveling joint between the tube and "valve fitting; which provides a safe and leakproof rotatable or swiveling joint between the tube and valve fitting; which provides an axial connection and interconnection between the gas source and the tube; which provides a range of adjustable flow control including no flow; which is adjustable without danger of leakage from the connector; which provides for simple and relative adjustment for a plurality of assemblies from a single filter or distributor so as to obviate the need for equal length pilot light tube assemblies; and which provides a new and improved seal between the valve and the socket within which the same is mounted.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved method of valve and tube assembly for gas stoves and the like, obtaining one or more of the objects and advantages set forth above.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will appear from the following description of preferred forms thereof; reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view, partly broken away, of a stove having a tube and valve assembly made in accordance with the method embodying a preferred form of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view, on an enlarged scale of the pilot housing and mounting shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, of the tube and valve assembly of FIG. 1; and,

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view, partly in elevation and partly in section, showing the valve of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A valve and tube assembly, indicated generally at 1, FIG. 1, embodying the structure made according to this invention is shown, by way of example, in use on a conventional gas stove 2, having a gas supply line 4 termi mating in a conventional gas stove 2, "having a gas supply line 4 terminating in a conventional manifold 5 from which a plurality of branch, feed or supply lines 7 lead to the respective burners 9, which are situated in openings 10 in stove top 12. Lines 7 are controlled, respectively, by valves 13. When a valve 13 is opened and the gas flows to the respective burner 9, the same is lightedby a pilot light which is also supplied from manifold 5 via a combination filter and distributor 15. Filter 15 is provided with a single threaded inlet 16 (FIG. 3) for connection with manifold 5 and a number of tapped sockets or outlets 17 *(FIG. 4) equal to the number of pilot lights to be supplied therefrom. The entire pilot light apparatus including distributor, tube or pipe, pilot light member and housing is conventionally known as the harness.

All of the above is old, and per se, forms no part of the present invention.

Valve and tube assembly 1 includes a small tube or pipe 18 (FIGS. 2 and 3) formed of suitable material, such as aluminum, and providing a gas conduit between the filter 15 and the pilot light, indicated generally at 20, embodying this invention.

In order to obtain the objects and advantages of this invention and provide a simple, effective, efficient and low cost pilot light 20, tube 18 is provided, at its outer end 21, with external threads 22, and, just inwardly thereof, with an external shoulder 24. Shoulder 24 is adapted to function as a stop for positioning and mounting or supporting the pilot light on the stove. Accordingly, end 21 of tube 18 extends through an aperture in a support bar 26, which is a part of the structure of stove 2. Apertune 25 has a diameter greater than the external diameter of threads'22 but less than external diameter of stop or shoulder 24. Thus, end 21 can only'enter into aperture 25 until support 26 seats on shoulder 24. End 21 and threads 22 extend outwardly from shoulder 24 and above support 26 sufficiently so that threads 22 may be engaged and tightened upon above the support.

Shoulder 24 is formed integrally with and as a unitary part of tube 18, just inwardly of threads 22, by swaging or other suitable means.

The pilot burns at one or more small orifices 28 provided at'the end 21 oftube 18. The'fiame is protected, the pilot light mounting completed and the pilot light held in place by means of a pilot light housing 30. Housing 30 is conveniently shaped and formed from a single piece of sheet metal to provide a cuplike member havingbottorn 31 and side wall 32. Bottom 31 is of greater external diameter than aperture 25 and has a central aperture 34 surrounded by an internally extending wall or sleeve 35 having threads 36 which are complementary to and engage threads 22 so that housing 30 may be tightened upon threads 22-and against support 26 to mount and hold the pilot light in position.

End 21 of tube 18 preferably extends, as shown, above threads 22, a short distance so as to position the flame highenwithin housing 30 and housing 30 is preferably provided with apertures or inlets 37 in wall 32 so that air may fiow into the housing from below the level of the flame to provide a proper oxygen supply therefor.

Thus, there is shown a simple, efiicient and economical pilot light, housing and mounting for valve and tube assemblies for stoves, and the like, comprising only a tube and the pilot housing member and obviating the need for separate washers, nuts or other members.

As noted above, valve and tube assembly 1 also includes a new and improved valve andcoupling for coupling the pilot light tube to the filter 15 and controlling the flow of gas from the manifold to the pilot light.

The valve embodying a preferred form of this invention comprises a single fitting 40* extending axially from the end of tube18and obviating the need for a separate coupling and valve mechanism while providing a wide range of easily, adjusted flow control, includingstoppage of all flow, without leakage or similar danger, Further, fitting 40 in the preferred embodiment of this invention, also, providesfor relative rotational movement between the tube. 18 and the filter 15, thereby providing both swiveling or rotation of the pilot light relative to the filter and adjustment of the valve with attendant rotationv ofthe fitting 40 relative to the tube 18 withoutotherwise disturbing the completed assembly, introducing gasleaks or interfering with the pilot light, and the valve and tube assembly, its mounting on the stove connection with the manifold and/or its function.

More. particularly, as best seen in FIG. 4, fitting 40v is ofgenerally cylindricalshape with a hollow interior 41. which is in-direct communication with the interior of tube. 18. .Interior41 is closed at its outer or valve end by wall 43 and a lateral passageway or bore 44, provides an inlet to interior 41.

In order to rotatably mount fitting 40 on tube 18, the interior 41 is counterbored as at 46 to provide an interior diameter having a sliding fit with the exterior of tube 18 and a seat 47 against which the. tip of the tube seats when the fitting and tube are assembled.

In addition, fitting 40 is formed with an axially extending flange or lip 49, having a greater internal diameter than counterbore 46 and length sutficient so that the lip can be deformed, as by spinning, into biting and sealing engagement with tube 18,'as shown at 51. Engagement 51 is circumferential and not only prevents disengagement of the tube and fitting but also provides for swiveling or relative rotation between the fitting 40 and tube 18 to and for the purposes set forth above.

The engagement 51 is affected, on the one hand, because fitting 40 is harder than tube 18 and is rendered more effective, on the other hand, by first coating tube 18 with a sealant 52, such as a grease remaining stable up to 750 F. Tube 18 is coated with sealant 52- before fitting 40 is slipped over the end, and as the tube is spun. to effect the swivel joint by forcing lip 49-into tube 18 with a suitable tool, the sealant in part remainsbetwecn the fitting and tube along the meeting cylindrical portions thereof, i.e., along counterbore 46 and in part collects in and packs and seals in the relief 53, immediately adjacent theengagement 51.

The connection between fitting 40 and tube 18-is, thus,- leakproof and rotatable, and .although unobvious, obtains the other objects and advantages of this invention in this respect.

In order to connect the tube 18with the filter 15 in an adjustable, sealing engagement, fitting 40 is provided with external threads 55, spaced slightly from the end 43.

of the fitting and adapted to have a loose fit with the internal threads 56 in the socket or bore 58 of the filter so that the fitting may be easily and readily engaged in and hand-tightened into the filter, The length of the fitting from end 43 to the end of threads 55 remote from end 43 is less than the depth of the bore 58 between the bore seat 59 and the outer end of the threads 56, so that the fitting is not seated at the completion of hand-tightening. In addition, seat 59'is tapered andend 43 of' fitting 40 is provided with a noncomplementary chamfer or radius 51 so that a line engagement is etfected-betweenthe fitting 40and the seat 59 when the fitting is fully seated and-tight-.

ened into the filter.

The ,lateralbore 44opens intermediatethe end:43;and-

the threads 55 of fitting 401- so that the gas, under mani: fold pressure, may flow about end 43. and through bore 44 into the interior 41 of fitting 40 and thence through the tube 18 to .the pilot light. 20,-:when. the valve is opened, but is stoppedor turned off when the-chamfer- 61. engages, seat 59. 1

In order to provide a gastight seal between the fitting- 40 and filter 15, whenthe-valve is openedanddn order to facilitate the engagement and mounting of the fitting ('valve) and pipe in the filter, threads "55 have a loose fit with threads 56 of the filter, so that thefittingcan be positioned easily'in the filter and then hand-tightened for the length of the threads 55;to complete the initial engagement. Further, threads 55 are held to a relatively few in number and immediately inwardly thereof, downwardly as viewed'in FIG. 4, fitting 40' is 'provided with a cylindrical body portion or shank 62, which has .an

external, diameter slightly greater. than the. minimum internal diameter of the threads 56on the. filter.

Thus, the fitting is easilyhand-tightened for the length of the threads 55actually until the leading edge 64.

of shank 62 engages the ,top of the first or outermost thread of threads 56 and so the fitting is easily mounted I and engaged. Further, as noted above, the length of the fitting intermediate end.43 and the leading edge 64 of shank 62 is such, relative to the depth of the bore 58in filter 15 that the end '43 and chamfer '61 of fitting 40 are spaced from seat 59 of the filter, when hand-tightened, a distance greater than the distance between chamfer and seat in the open position by enough to provide a sealing engagement between the lateral wall of shank 62 and the threads56 in the manner of this invention, when assembly of the fitting therein is completed as set forth below,

The seal developes. and forms as the fitting is turned further into the socket 58, after engagement between edge 64 and outermost thread 56, by conventional means, such as a wrench. The fitting, having a greater diameter, at shank 62v and being of harder material (brass vs. aluminum, for example) deforms and distorts thev tips of threads 56, as shown in FIG. 4, at 65, for example, so that a sealing engagement is formed as the fitting is tightened until fully seated with chamfer 61 in engagement with seat 59. Further, the seal 65 is such that the fitting may be backed off to open the valve, and the valve be adjusted, without loss of seal, so that gas flowing past the open valve is diverted through the aperture 44 and, into the interior of fitting 40, as set forth above.

Further, the resistance to the entry of the fitting 40 into the socket 58, as shank 62 engages and deforms the threads 56, has the efl'ect, as applicant understands it, of displacing the threads 55 of fitting 40 outwardly relative to the threads 56 of filter 15, because of the drag on or resistance to the fitting, as shank 62 enters into the socket 58 with the result that the threads 55 and 56 mate and engage tightly on the outwardly side of threads 55 and the inwardly side of threads 56. And, of course, the pressure of gas within the system and on the inlet side of the valve also tends to strengthen this seal since there is no pressure on the exit side of the valve, the pilot light orifice being in free and open communication with the atmosphere, at all times.

Fitting 40, as shown, also has the advantage of having a flat end and a large circumferential engagement (between chamfer 61 and seat 59) when closed, with the result that opening of the valve provides fast bleeding of the gas through the valve opening around the end of the fitting and into the aperture 44, interior 41 of the fitting 40 and tube 18, so that tube 18 is cleared quickly of air (filled with gas) to provide for lighting of the pilot light markedly faster than with valves so commonly used for such purposes.

Fitting 40 is also conveniently provided with a hexagonal, as shown, or other noncircular, exterior body portion 65, FIGS. 3 and 4, in order to facilitate engagement of the fitting with a wrench, or the like, in order to tighten the same, and open and close the valve.

Further, while the valve and tube assembly made according to the method of this invention has been described as a unit, it is to be understood that valves, embodying this invention, may be used with tubes having other pilot house structures and in other and different applications wherein valves obtaining the objects and advantages of this invention are or may be useful and advantageous.

Modifications and changes to the preferred form of the invention disclosed herein may occur to those skilled in the art who come to understand the principles and precepts thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the patent to be issued hereon should not be limited to the form of the invention herein specifically depicted and described but by the advance by which the invention has promoted the art.

What is claimed is:

1. The process of making a rotatable, gastight joint between a tube and fitting comprising the steps of providing a fitting having a bore therein with an internal diameter having a close sliding fit with the tube and a circular flange extending axially from said fitting about said bore and being of harder material than the tube and having a greater internal diameter than the external diameter of the tube, coating the tube with a sealant, inserting the tube in the bore, and spinning the fitting while exerting radial pressure on said flange to force said flange into biting engagement with said tube and to form a relief behind said engagement filled with said sealant.

2.. The process according to claim 1 in which said sealant is stable at high temperatures.

3. The process according to claim 2 in which said sealant is stable up to at least 750 Fahrenheit.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,93 6,669 11/ 1933 Hecter 285-382X 2,574,625 11/1951 Coss 29443 3,149,860 9/1964 Hallesy c- 285382X 3,288,496 11/1966 Myers 285-94 3,388,211 6/1968 Nichols et al. 29458X 3,458,920 8/1969 Crump 29-458 JOHN F. CAMPBELL, Primary Examiner D. C. REILEY, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

